Baby chicks are 1 week old, when can I feed them bugs?

[chicky lady]

I was just wondering when it is ok to feed baby chicks (1 week old) some worms and maybe some fruit and things. I have baby grit for them but don't want to give them something they shouldn't have. I see some people give yogurt and they love it, I was wondering what kind of yogurt can I get them I assume just plain but want to be sure.
Any advice would be helpful.
Thank you very much!!

 

[Erica]

Hi chicky lady,
it's best not to go overboard on treats like apple (because chicks need really nutritious food, lots of protein etc, and apples are a bit low in many things), but I would think you can feed small treats like grated apple, yoghurt and worms right away. Just don't give them a whole lot at once.
You may see them being frightened of worms and unwilling to take yoghurt; these things are normal (chicks don't like what's strange).
cheers
Erica

 

[Mommy 2 Wee Ones]

I have two sets of Brooder Mama babies, Mama was showing them the bugs that first week, and the babies chase the bugs on their own & fight over them too. I did notice with Brooder Mama #2, I tossed in some BOSS & Mama would crack the shell & let the babies eat the seed from the inside. If you ever have a chance to have a Broody Hen, let her hatch some, it is so cool to watch Mama teach her young.

 

[azygous]

I've got a broody revving up right now, and another hen is laying fertile eggs for her to sit on when she comes fully broody. It'll be the first time for me if they hatch. Can hardly wait!

Back to worms and bugs for babies. Go for it! Every batch of chicks is different. I've had some groups go for worms immediately while others were afraid. As long as they get grit, they can have any sort of treat in tiny amounts. They will usually only eat a bit of lettuce, or a bit of yogurt, preferring their chick feed.

I used to quarter an apple and hang it from a string. Fun and games.

 

[highpointfarm]

You can give it to them right away, Just make sure they have grit.... My chicks love it if I just take a shovel full of sod and just put it in there they have a BLAST

 

[chicky lady]

Thank you all! I can't wait to go dig up some worms and maybe other bugs for them.

 

[MAChickMama]

Thanks for the info! We are rearing 10 chicks that are now almost 3 weeks old.... my husband found a large ant and placed in the container - said it was hilarious to watch one of the chicks investigate then run away! Nevertheless another braver girl came forward and ate it right up! Now I will get bugs to give them - thank goodness its spring and they are everywhere!

 

[Quinsmomma]

We have 10 two week old chicks. They started trying to fly out of the brooder so I brought in some old window screens to put over top. The screens had a few ants on them who strayed inside the box - and the chicks went crazy trying to catch and eat them! The whole family was crowded around laughing at that!

 

[jak2002003]

They can eat bugs and other things fine, but its not a good idea really.

All they need now is their chick food and fresh water. They don't even need the grit if you are not feeding them other stuff.

If you let them 'play' in the garden then they will find their own bugs and peck at plants. They will also pick up their own grit.

 

[Acornewell]

Great Ideas!